Irradiating the anterior half of the planaria and amputating the head will regenerate because cells from a distant posterior region can migrate to the amputation plane

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The statement discussed involves planarian regeneration after two interventions: irradiation of the anterior half and amputation of the head, with the claim that regeneration will occur because cells from a distant posterior region can migrate to the amputation plane.
First, consider what irradiation does in planaria. Irradiation destroys proliferative neoblasts (the stem cells responsible for regeneration). If the anterior portion is irradiated, it loses its resident neoblasts and its capacity to regenerate locally.
Next, think about planarian cell migration and regeneration. Planaria have a population of neoblasts throughout the body, and under certain conditions these cells can migrate toward a wound site to participate in regeneration. This migratory capacity means that even if the wound area lacks local neoblasts, distant neoblasts can potentially repopulate the wound if there are surviving neoblasts elsewhere.
In the setup described, the anterior half is irradiated, reducing or eliminating neoblasts there, but the posterior region may still retain viable neoblasts. When the head is amputated, the regeneration demand is at the anterior end. If posterior neoblasts survive irradiation, they can mobilize toward the amputation plane to supply the necessary stem cells for regeneration of the head tissues.
Therefore, the central claim hinges on the presence of migrating neoblasts from a non-irradiated region capable of reaching the wound and driving regeneration. Given what is known about planarian neoblasts and their migratory response to injury, it is plausible that regeneration could proceed via distant neoblast migration, supporting the statement.
Now evaluating the two options:
- If the statement were false, it would imply that irradiation of the anterior half fully prevents neoblasts from contributing to regeneration at the amputation plane, even from distant sites, or that distant migration cannot occur at all. However, planarians have demonstrated neoblast migration from non-irradiated regions to wounds, so a blanket claim that regeneration cannot occur under this scenario is not consistent with observed biology.
- If the statement is true, it aligns with the idea that distant neoblasts can migrate to a wound site to enable regeneration when local neoblasts are compromised by irradiation.
In summary, the reasoning supports that regeneration could occur due to posterior neoblasts migrating to the anterior amputation plane, making the statement true.
Note: The explanation above emphasizes the roles of neoblasts, irradiation effects, and migratory regeneration mechanisms, and contrasts potential misconceptions (e.g., assuming irradiation completely abolishes all regenerative capacity everywhere or that migration from distant sites is impossible).

Irradiating the anterior half of the planaria and amputating the head will regenerate because cells from a distant posterior region can migrate to the amputation plane

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